Thursday 31 October 2013

Happy Halloween

This photo is from 1990, the year my Mom died. My first Halloween without her to help with costumes. Lucky for me, my Aunt Rita was also a great sewist and she loved kids, particularly adorable 4-year-old ones. 



He doesn't have a pumpkin on his head - it's on the fish tank behind him...


She and her husband, Jack, had attended a Halloween costume party the year before, dressed as leopards. I have to smile at what sort of 'discussion' it must have took to get Jack to do that. He never really had a chance, though, Rita just didn't do 'no'. She loaned us those costumes and let me tell  you I looked great with a black nose and whiskers (and piles of eye make-up). I know I have photos somewhere, but they were pre-digital and while I may have scanned them, I haven't got all my photos scanned / organised. I'm getting there.

Rita pointed out that baby leopards have different spot patterns than their adult parents, so it didn't matter that she couldn't match the big costumes exactly. I don't know if that is true about leopards, but it sounded good to me. This was the last year I attended a Halloween party as part of a trio. Thereafter, costumes were just for the kid.  

Wearing 'onesies' is somehow popular here in Britain amongst the 20-somethings at university. I've not worked out what that's about, but I can tell you they are very comfy, at least from what I recall...

7 comments:

sanda said...

Hi Shelley
Is a oonsie a jump suit of sorts? I remember the days of wearing them and they were indeed comfortable. Hadn't thought about that in years!

Shelley said...

Hi Sanda!

Yes, they are like baby suits - with feet and a hood (for all I know they have gloves, but I haven't really inspected any lately. I saw racks and racks the other day in Primark when I was 'snoop shopping'.

D A Wolf said...

I can't say that one piece anything is practical... when you need to go to the bathroom! I imagine those onesies could be cute in some styles and on some people though.

The leopard picture makes me smile.

(Hope you're well. xo)

Carolyn said...

That is a really cute outfit, and I guess it is nice and warm for the kids at this time of year too. Double win! Hehe, onesies are popular amongst young people here too... I just don't get it. When I was in my 20's us girls all wanted to look cute and sexy. A onesie is the exact opposite of that!!

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Beryl said...

How adorable you look. That was a lot of work for your aunt in the days before sergers or easily available stretch fabrics. She must have been a terrific aunt.
Love your new look with the blonde hair, even though I haven't remarked on it before.

Shelley said...

Thanks, Beryl, I'm glad you like my blonde hair - everyone does, apparently, though it's not me in the photo. Rita was a wonderful aunt to have, definitely!